Male undergarment to protect against excess heat, moisture, and friction

ABSTRACT

A novel genital support undergarment for men is disclosed comprising a material pouch which supports male genitalia such that in use a back edge of the pouch tucks underneath the scrotum above a lowest point of the pouch. The back edge includes a thickened material seam that contacts the scrotum of the user. The pouch is a soft material and can be simply attached to an elastic waistband or affixed to a larger undergarment, such as briefs or boxers. No strap or other material between the legs is used to connect the bottom of the pouch to a waistband at the back.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to male undergarments. More particularly, thisinvention relates to male undergarments designed to promote men's healthand wellness.

2. Description of the Related Art

Previously, several differing types of male undergarments were designedto either protect or support male genitalia. More common examples ofsuch male undergarments are jock-straps, thongs, and tangas. Moretraditional and cultural examples include the fundoshi and kaupina.While many of these provide some support and protection from chafingbetween the genitalia and the legs, all of these items have either astring or a strap to connect the front panel of the undergarment to theback portion of the waistband. The jock-strap has two, one on eitherside that connect the front cup to the waistband. Tangas and kaupina areessentially a front panel and a back panel, attached together by stringand worn similar to briefs. Thongs and fundoshi have a strand of cloththat run from the bottom of the front panel to the bottom of thewaistband in the back. However, none of these items offer stand-aloneand strapless support for the genitalia. A few examples of the prior artare described.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,284,632, issued Nov. 12, 1918, by Fine, describes asuspensory jock-strap that has relation to improvements in suspensorybandages, and the object of the invention is to provide a bandage.

International Application Publication No. WO1989007896, published Sep.8, 1989, by Bergman discloses a strapless and cupless athletic supportwith front and rear parts of a fabric material, preferably acotton/Lycra fabric, with the front part being of a piece of flat fabricnot in the shape of a pocket or pouch. The front and rear parts areattached or stitched to a waistband and can be in two separate parts toconnect along three seams or made from one sheet of fabric. Preferably,the front part is of a double thickness of fabric with a pocket betweenthe fabric layers to receive a protective guard therebetween. The doublethickness layers are preferably identical. Conveniently, the junction ofthe front and rear parts is at the waistband leaving a high cut leg lineat the upper thigh/hip portion. Advantageously the stitching throughoutthe jockstrap comprises reverse stitching to provide a smooth interiorsurface to the jockstrap. This type of supporter focuses on not havingany shape of a pouch within its design. Instead, it relies on elasticfabrics to support the penis and genitalia.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,128,675, published Mar. 6, 2012, by Nahhas, discloses acooling apparatus (and method) for reducing the risk of, and/oralleviating, male infertility, particularly in a heated environment,includes: a pouch to enclose the scrotal area of the male user; athermoelectric cooling device to be worn by the male user at a distancefrom the pouch; and a fluid pump also to be worn by the male user forpumping a cooling fluid from the cold side of the thermoelectric coolingdevice to the pouch, and a cooling fluid over the hot side of thethermoelectric cooling device to dissipate the heat generated therein tothe atmosphere. The thermoelectric cooling device and pump areincorporated in a waistband to be worn around the waist of the maleuser.

The Go Softwear Strapless Jock is a jock strap without any straps. Thisgarment is designed for appearance rather than function. The garmentincludes a waistband having elastic at a top edge and a contoured pouchwith elastic trim which merges into the waistband to provide a bottomedge of elastic as well. The pouch is formed and supported directly bythe tension associated with the waist band and its own elastic trim.This tension creates a direct adverse effect on the backside of thescrotum that is incompatible with long term comfort. Because the lowerseam merges into the waistband along a nearly horizontal line, the seamdoes not rise far enough underneath the backside of the scrotum leavinga significant, critical gap. In addition, the material of this productis a cotton and lycra blend that does not absorb sweat/moisture wellresulting in an irritating effect when worn for an extended period oftime, particularly in warm conditions.

Other products currently marketed include the Good Devil Suspended Pouchand the Male Power Branded Elastic Power Sock from Freshpair.com. Thisjock is also strapless and includes an elastic waistband. Like the GoSoftwear product, these products are designed for appearance rather thanfunction. The genital pouch does not surround the scrotum at a highpoint behind, only enclosing the genitals from the front. These productsalso do not absorb sweat/moisture well resulting in an irritating effectwhen worn for an extended period of time, particularly in warmconditions.

In view of the foregoing, there is a need in the art for maleundergarment apparatuses and methods that offer improved protectionagainst heat, friction, and moisture for male genitalia. There is also aneed for such apparatuses and methods that offer stand-alone andstrapless support for male genitals to aid in the prevention and reliefof rashes and/or infections. There is further a need for suchundergarments to be readily manufacturable. These and other needs aremet by the present invention as detailed hereafter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a novel genitalsupport garment for men. The garment comprises a material pouch whichsupports male genitals such that in use a back edge of the pouch cupsbehind the testicles above a lowest point of the pouch. The back edgeincludes a thickened material edge. The pouch can be simply attached toan elastic waistband or affixed to a larger undergarment, such as briefsor boxers. No strap or other material between the legs is used toconnect the bottom of the pouch to a waistband at the back.

A typical embodiment of the invention comprises an undergarment forcovering, supporting, and preventing excess moisture on male genitals,including a contoured pouch of soft, absorbent fabric to hold both penisand scrotum of a wearer in use such that a top edge of the contouredpouch is disposed at a waist of the wearer and a back edge of thecontoured pouch is disposed tucked up behind a back side of the scrotumof the wearer and a seam around the pouch edge, the seam at the backedge having a thickened material portion such that in use the thickenedmaterial portion contacts the back side of the scrotum of the wearer.The soft, absorbent fabric can comprises cotton and/or lycra.

The contoured pouch can comprise mirrored halves of material sewntogether along a central seam. Typically, the central seam can intersectthe seam around the edge of the pouch at the back edge. The mirroredhalves can comprise a single material piece or a pair of separatematerial pieces. The thickened material portion of the seam can comprisea separate material piece sewn folded over the pouch edge or a sewnfolded over edge of the soft, absorbent fabric. The seam around the edgeof the contoured pouch can comprise an overlock with single needle downstitch.

In further embodiments, the undergarment can further comprise awaistband affixed to the contoured pouch at a top edge of the contouredpouch. The waistband can comprise an elastic material. Alternately, thecontoured pouch can be further affixed to a pants garment at leastproximate to the waistband at a top edge of the contoured pouch. Thepants garment can be selected from the group consisting of briefs,boxers, long underwear, pants, and shorts.

In a similar manner, a typical method embodiment of producing anundergarment for covering, supporting, and preventing excess moisture onmale genitals, comprises the steps of sewing a contoured pouch of soft,absorbent fabric, the contoured pouch shaped to hold both penis andscrotum of a wearer in use such that a top edge of the contoured pouchis disposed at a waist of the wearer and a back edge of the contouredpouch is disposed tucked up behind a back side of the scrotum of thewearer, sewing a seam around the pouch edge, and sewing the seam at theback edge to have a thickened material portion such that in use thethickened material portion contacts the back side of the scrotum of thewearer. This method embodiment of the invention can be further modifiedconsistent with any undergarment embodiment described herein.

Another undergarment embodiment for covering, supporting, and preventingexcess moisture on male genitals, can comprise a contoured pouch meansfor holding both penis and scrotum of a wearer in use such that a topedge of the contoured pouch means is disposed at a waist of the wearerand a back edge of the contoured pouch means is disposed tucked upbehind a back side of the scrotum of the wearer, and a seam around thepouch edge, the seam at the back edge having a thickened materialportion means for contacting the back side of the scrotum of the wearer.This undergarment embodiment of the invention can be further modifiedconsistent with any undergarment or method embodiment described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers representcorresponding parts throughout:

FIG. 1A is the view of the pouch in a basic undergarment from the leftside;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the pouch in the basic undergarmentfrom the top;

FIGS. 1C-1E show exemplary detailed construction of the thickenedmaterial portion disposed along a back edge of the pouch;

FIGS. 1F and 1G show exemplary fabric patterns for construction of thepouch;

FIG. 2 is a view of a more rugged embodiment of the invention from theright side; and

FIG. 3 is a frontal view of the pouch incorporated into a sports brief.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

1. Overview

As previously mentioned, embodiments of the present invention encompassmale undergarments designed to protect the groin region from problemsassociated with excess heat, moisture, and friction, which normalundergarments cannot address. One exemplary embodiment comprises anpouch to support male genitalia that is attached to a waistband. Theseam touches the skin of the wearer. The pouch also has additionalmaterial at the base of the seam on the back edge, which tucksunderneath the scrotum to hold and further support the genitalia. Infurther embodiments, the pouch can be attached at or near the waistbandof other suitable pant garments.

Although there are other undergarments employing a pouch supported fromthe top to hold the male genitals, none employ the unique combination offeatures as embodiments of the present invention. Notably, embodimentsof the present invention incorporate a novel seam having a thickenedmaterial portion disposed along a back edge of the pouch at the base.This additional material at the base of the pouch increases the supportand absorption qualities in this critical heat zone. In addition, thepouch is shaped so that it tucks up underneath the scrotum, furtherenhancing the support and absorption qualities.

The Go Softwear product and the Freshpair products also provide a pouchfor male genitalia. However, in contrast the design, material, andintended function are quite different from that of the presentinvention. These products are designed primarily for appearance, whereasembodiments of the present invention are designed to provide supportwhile protecting against heat, friction, and moisture. Particularly,extra material at the back edge of the pouch in the present inventionserves to hold and support the genitalia and also reduce moisture andchafing in the area. The pouch of the present invention, while soft andflexible, provides greater structural support than the Go SoftwearStrapless Jock or the Freshpair products. The Go Softwear Strapless Jockand the Freshpair products do not include any thickened material portiondisposed along a back edge of the pouch at the base.

Furthermore, the Go Softwear pouch is formed and supported directly bylateral tension associated with the waist band. This lateral tension isdue to the fact that the edge of the pouch of the Go Softwear pouchmerges into the waistband tangentially, rather than substantiallyvertically as with embodiments of the present invention. In addition,the Go Softwear product employs separate elastic around the pouch whichthen merges directly into a lower edge of the waistband. Accordingly,the entire pouch of the Go Softwear product has an elastic edge coupleddirectly into elastic of the waistband which creates lateral tensionacross the back of the pouch. This lateral tension creates a directadverse effect on the backside of the scrotum that is not intended forlong term comfort. Because the entire edge of the pouch is elastic anddirectly connected to the waist band, the backside of the pouch does notrise far enough behind the scrotum leaving a significant, critical gap.In addition, the material of this product is a cotton/lycra blend thatdoes not absorb sweat/moisture well resulting in an irritating effectwhen worn for an extended period of time in warm conditions. Incontrast, the present invention is contoured and formed specificallywith the genitalia in mind. Extra material at the base of the presentinvention's pouch serves to hold and support the genitalia. The presentinvention's pouch, while soft and flexible, provides greater structuralsupport than the Go Softwear Strapless Jock.

2. Novel Pouch for Male Undergarment

Embodiments of the present invention encompass a male genital supportundergarment designed to provide direct containment support, protectionagainst perspiration, as well as provide a layer of separation betweenthe genitals and the inner thighs to minimize the impact of heat andfriction. These attributes inherently aid in extending male hygienein-between showers, which helps promote health and well-being in thisregion of the male anatomy. In addition, embodiments of the presentinvention can also enable healing to occur rapidly when recovering fromailments such as jock itch, rashes, scratches, and chafing burns. Theessential element for embodiments of the invention comprises a uniquepouch which covers, supports, and prevents excess moisture on malegenitals. In the most basic form, the pouch can be simply attached to anelastic waistband.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate the pouch in a basic undergarment 100 in leftside and perspective views, respectively. The undergarment 100 comprisesa contoured pouch 102 of soft, absorbent fabric to hold both penis andscrotum of a wearer in use such that a top edge 110 of the contouredpouch 102 is disposed at a waist of the wearer and a back edge 106 ofthe contoured pouch is disposed tucked up behind a back side of thescrotum of the wearer. The pouch 102 includes a seam 104 around thepouch edge. Significantly, the seam 104 at the back edge 106 includes athickened material portion 112 such that in use the thickened materialportion 112 contacts the back side of the scrotum of the wearer. Thisthickened material portion 112 aids in supporting, absorbing moistureand reducing irritation.

In use, the contoured pouch 102 is held its top edge 110. In the exampleembodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B the pouch 102 is affixed at its top edge110 to a waistband 108. Typically, the waistband 108 is an elasticmaterial. However, it is also conceivable that a non-elastic waistbandcan be employed, e.g. with a drawstring. Any known suitable type ofwaistband can be implemented with embodiments of the invention as willbe understood by those skilled in the art.

It should be noted that the seam 104 around the edge of the contouredpouch 102, particularly where the pouch meets the waistband, does notemploy an elastic. However, it is possible for a some elastic to be usedonly in the area of the 0 material portion as will be describedhereafter. Elastic around the edge seam 104 of the contoured pouch 102into the waistband would cause irritation over long periods,particularly in warm environments.

In one exemplary embodiment, the undergarment 100 can be constructedusing high quality thick cotton, such as typical T-shirt material. Theundergarment includes a simple elastic waistband 108, along with auniquely crafted pouch 102 designed to hold the male genitalia. Keyfeatures that make this embodiment unique include an enclosed pouch 102that is double layered with cotton to provide structural integrity,resilience, and increased moisture absorption. The seam 104 around theedge of the pouch 102 touches the skin and is folded over and sewn toprovide additional material to increase absorption. Additional seammaterial is also located at the back edge 106 of the pouch 102, whichtucks up underneath the scrotum, increases the support and absorptionqualities in this critical heat zone. These seams 104, 112 along thepouch edge provide additional structure to the pouch itself, so thatonly the top portion of the pouch is attached to the waistband, whilethe portion surrounding the genitalia is not directly attached to thewaistband.

FIGS. 1C-1E show exemplary detailed construction of the thickenedmaterial portion 112 disposed along a back edge 106 of the pouch 102.The specific construction of the thickened material portion 112 can beaccomplished using different techniques. The result in all casesprovides a back edge 106 portion of the edge seam 104 of the pouch 102that is thicker than the remainder of the edge seam 104. This isillustrated by the thicker seam portion 114 at the back edge 106 and thethinner seam portion 116 elsewhere around the pouch 102. In someembodiments, the edge seam 104 can comprises an overlock stitch of sometype as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In someembodiments, the back edge of the pouch can also include an elastic orretractable and expandable seam that can readily adjust to differentsize genitals while maintaining comfort. Those skilled in the art willunderstand that Computer Aided Design (CAD) instructions can bedeveloped to drive a plotter to add extra end of cotton near thebase/rear of the pouch to add extra material and provide increasedstructural integrity. Spandex can also be added in this same manner or ablend of both cotton and spandex.

In the example of FIG. 1C, the thickened material portion 114 is formedby altering the stitch in the area to increase the thickness, e.g. byoverstitching, stitching additional folded over material (compared withthe remainder of the pouch edge) or any other suitable known techniquefor changing the local material thickness from specialized stitching. Itshould also be noted that the thickened material portion 114 can beformed from extra material being folded over the edge of the pouch inthis area (or even a rolled piece or even stuffing disposed in therolled over seam) and sewn into place.

In the example of FIG. 1D, the thickened material portion 114 is formedby stitching a separate piece 118 of material over the back edge 106 ofthe pouch 102. The separate piece 118 can be from the same material asthe pouch 102 or any suitable alternate material suitable for absorptionand/or heat dissipation.

In the example of FIG. 1E, the thickened material portion 114 is formedby stitching a short piece of elastic into the back edge to form gathers120 into the pouch material at the back edge 106 of the pouch 102 aswill be understood by those skilled in the art. The gathers 120 can bealtered to yield the appropriate thickened material portion 114.Particularly, the use of gathers 120 can be readily and cheaplyimplemented into mass production. Note that this small section ofelastic is completely disconnected from the waistband and is limited tothe area at the back edge to provide the thickened material portion 114.

FIGS. 1F and 1G show exemplary fabric patterns for construction of thepouch 102. Both patterns comprise mirrored halves 130A, 130B of materialsewn together along a central seam 126. The top edge 110 is where thepouch is attached to the waistband. These material patterns are onlyexamples to illustrate certain key features. The pouch edge seam 104 isformed by the right and left sides of the patterned material after thecentral seam 126 is sewn together. When the pouch is formed, the centralseam intersects the seam 104 around the edge of the pouch at the backedge 106. It can be seen from the patterns that the pouch bottom islower than the back edge as shown by the height difference 122 betweenthe bottom edge of the pattern and the location for the back edge 106 ofthe pouch.

FIG. 1F illustrates a pattern where the mirrored halves 130A, 130Bcomprise a single material piece which is folded along the dotted line128 when the central seam 126 is sewn. FIG. 1G illustrates a patternwhere the mirrored halves 130A, 130B comprise a pair of separatematerial pieces. In this case, there is no folding line 128; the centralseam 126 joins the separate material pieces together. It should be notedthat other material patterns are also possible employing additionalseparate material pieces as will be apparent to those skilled in theart.

The curve of the pouch is formed by the seam line (including the fold ifapplicable) which made so that when a man puts the pouch on, it cups theentire genitals extending all the way up in the back where the scrotummeets the inner thighs.

FIG. 2 is a view of a more rugged undergarment 200 embodiment of theinvention from the right side. The basic components and features are thesame as with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. However, in thiscase the front area of the pouch 202 includes sewn in padding material204. This padded pouch 202 can provide extra support for variousnon-contact sports. This embodiment 200 can include woven in paddedmaterial that houses thin sheets of impact resistant plastic sheetsyielding a degree of impact protection.

Embodiments of the invention can also incorporate further features. Forexample, material for the pouch can include anti-microbial properties tohelp promote hygiene. Beyond cotton, more advanced, innovative materialsare now available that can be employed in embodiments of the inventionto wick moisture away from body and help cool body temperature by up to3° F. In some embodiments, special materials can be used, e.g. includingmicroscopic jade embedded in to the fabric to further reducetemperatures. Other materials, such as a 90% modal, 10% lycra blend canalso be used.

3. Other Male Undergarments Employing Novel Pouch

As previously mentioned, the novel pouch can also be incorporated intoother undergarments, e.g. attached at or near the waistband of a briefor boxer undergarment or even any other suitable pant garments. Forexample, the novel pouch can be affixed to a brief or boxerundergarment. The attachment can be fixed, e.g. by sewing, or evenremovable, e.g. with hook and loop material (Velcro®). An example pantsundergarment version is described here.

Although the top edge of the pouch is typically affixed directly to awaistband, if employed as part of a pants garment having a waistband,the pouch need only be affixed proximate the waistband (on the pantsmaterial) provided the waistband supports the pants on the wearer.Typically, the attached pants garment can be briefs, boxers, longunderwear, pants, shorts or any other suitable closed leg garment.

FIG. 3 is a frontal view of the pouch 102 incorporated into aconventional sports brief 300. The basic components and features are thesame as with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Integrated novelpouch can be incorporated into a sports or casual boxer brief as shown.(The brief can be considered inside-out to show the pouch 102.) Thepouch 102 can be wholly integrated into the brief where it is onlyattached at or near the waistband 108. Or, the front of boxer brief,with either a traditional fly opening with a button or a ¾ inch overlaptype opening, can include a convenient easy access opening directly infront of the pouch 102.

Further embodiments of the invention can include the novel pouch in amedical version that can be issued to patients for temporary recoverypurposes. Swimming or surfing shorts can employ an integrated pouchconstructed from mesh or net material for quick drying. Militaryunderwear can include the novel pouch to help improve and prolong properhygiene in challenging environments and prolonged engagements whenshowers are not available. The novel pouch can be implemented incompression shorts (e.g. for soccer) to provide overall support with anincreased degree of genital protection as compared to a rigid plasticcup that is required for sports like baseball and football; the rigidcup can impede movement in sports like soccer. Smaller versions, e.g.for children, can provide all normal pouch functions. An outdoor versionfrom suitable materials, e.g. for hikers or campers, can be hand washedand hung out to dry overnight. In addition, in almost all cases thepouch can be considered “reversible” such that it can be worn a secondtime in-between cleanings.

This concludes the description including the preferred embodiments ofthe present invention. The foregoing description including the preferredembodiment of the invention has been presented for the purposes ofillustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modificationsand variations are possible within the scope of the foregoing teachings.Additional variations of the present invention may be devised withoutdeparting from the inventive concept as set forth in the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An undergarment for covering, supporting, and preventing excess moisture on male genitals, comprising: a contoured pouch of soft, absorbent fabric to hold both penis and scrotum of a wearer in use such that a top edge of the contoured pouch is disposed at a waist of the wearer and a back edge of the contoured pouch is disposed tucked up behind a back side of the scrotum of the wearer; and a seam around the pouch edge, the seam at the back edge having a thickened material portion such that in use the thickened material portion contacts the back side of the scrotum of the wearer.
 2. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the contoured pouch comprises mirrored halves of material sewn together along a central seam.
 3. The undergarment of claim 2, wherein the central seam intersects the seam around the edge of the pouch at the back edge.
 4. The undergarment of claim 2, wherein the mirrored halves comprise a single material piece.
 5. The undergarment of claim 2, wherein the mirrored halves comprise a pair of separate material pieces.
 6. The undergarment of claim 1, further comprising a waistband affixed to the contoured pouch at a top edge of the contoured pouch.
 7. The undergarment of claim 6, wherein the waistband comprises an elastic material.
 8. The undergarment of claim 6, wherein the waistband is further affixed to a pants garment.
 9. The undergarment of claim 1, further comprising a pants garment having a waistband; wherein the contoured pouch is affixed at least proximate to the waistband at a top edge of the contoured pouch.
 10. The undergarment of claim 9, wherein the pants garment is selected from the group consisting of briefs, boxers, long underwear, pants, and shorts.
 11. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the soft, absorbent fabric comprises cotton.
 12. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the soft, absorbent fabric comprises lycra.
 13. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the thickened material portion of the seam comprises a separate material piece sewn folded over the pouch edge.
 14. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the thickened material portion of the seam comprises a sewn folded over edge of the soft, absorbent fabric.
 15. A method of producing an undergarment for covering, supporting, and preventing excess moisture on male genitals, comprising the steps of: sewing a contoured pouch of soft, absorbent fabric, the contoured pouch shaped to hold both penis and scrotum of a wearer in use such that a top edge of the contoured pouch is disposed at a waist of the wearer and a back edge of the contoured pouch is disposed tucked up behind a back side of the scrotum of the wearer; sewing a seam around the pouch edge; and sewing the seam at the back edge to have a thickened material portion such that in use the thickened material portion contacts the back side of the scrotum of the wearer.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising affixing the contoured pouch at a top edge of the contoured pouch proximate to a waistband.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein sewing the contoured pouch comprises sewing together mirrored halves of material along a central seam.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the central seam intersects the seam around the edge of the pouch at the back edge.
 19. An undergarment for covering, supporting, and preventing excess moisture on male genitals, comprising: a contoured pouch means for holding both penis and scrotum of a wearer in use such that a top edge of the contoured pouch means is disposed at a waist of the wearer and a back edge of the contoured pouch means is disposed tucked up behind a back side of the scrotum of the wearer; and a seam around the pouch edge, the seam at the back edge having a thickened material portion means for contacting the back side of the scrotum of the wearer. 